Week 6 FanDuel Cash-Game Picks
QB
Josh Allen, Bills ($9,200) at Chiefs
Here are Allen’s fantasy point totals through 5 games:
33.5
29.7
26.7
24.5
36.2
The Bills enter the weekend as small favorites at Kansas City with an implied point total of nearly 29. In a likely shootout, I have no issue paying up for Allen’s massive ceiling.
If you're looking to save, I’d go right back to Tom Brady ($7,500) at Pittsburgh. The Steelers will be without several key secondary defenders, including S Minkah Fitzpatrick.
RBs
RB looks like a spot we can save at. Saquon Barkley is battling a shoulder issue. Jonathan Taylor is coming off an ankle injury. And Christian McCaffrey remains volatile on a shaky offense.
Perhaps you can make a tournament case for those guys — but they’re not in the cash game mix for me.
Instead, here’s who I’m circling:
Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots ($7,500) vs. Browns
Stevenson’s price jumped up $1,500, but he’s still coming at a reasonable cost. He projects for 20+ touches with Damien Harris looking doubtful with a hamstring injury.
Stevenson just toppled the Lions to the tune of 25-161. Now comes another strong matchup against a Browns run D ranking last in adjusted fantasy points to enemy RBs.
Aaron Jones, Packers ($7,300) vs. Jets
Jones strengthened his grip on the Packers backfield last week. He played 73% of the snaps and posted a 63% route rate. He’s simply out-played A.J. Dillion thus far.
At a discounted price — and playing in a game environment that includes an implied total of 26 — Jones should be a popular option.
Kenneth Walker deserves a look at only $6,500 with Rashaad Penny out. Walker draws a nice scoring matchup with an Arizona squad allowing almost 25 PPG. Speaking of scoring, I like Leonard Fournette’s TD potential vs. Pittsburgh. He’s just not discounted at $8,500. Plus, it’s clear the Bucs want to work in rookie Rachaad White.
WRs
Stefon Diggs, Bills ($8,900) at Chiefs
Diggs’ resume speaks for itself. But this week, he gets a Chiefs pass D that’s allowed huge games to #1 WRs over the past 2 weeks:
Mike Evans: 8-103-2
Davante Adams: 3-124-2
DK Metcalf, Seahawks ($7,400) vs. Cardinals
Tyler Lockett popped up on Thursday’s injury report. His absence would likely shift a greater target share to Metcalf, but it’s not like Lockett’s absence is necessary here.
Metcalf’s scored in 2 of his past 3, a stretch that includes 30 targets. And, as you may have noticed, Geno Smith has developed into a reliable passer. He sits top-5 in both EPA per play and Pro Football Focus passing grade.
Deebo Samuel, 49ers ($7,600) at Falcons
Samuel’s rushing role is on the decline, but he remains a strong bet for targets. He’s hit 6+ in all 5 games this season — 7+ alongside Jimmy Garoppolo.
I think this game stays close for awhile, especially with the 49ers missing several key defenders. The matchup is nice, too, with Atlanta ranking bottom-8 in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs.
If you're looking to save, Adam Thielen ($5,900) provides a viable option. He’s hit 7+ targets in 4 straight and shouldn’t see much of top CB Xavien Howard. Thielen’s caught only 1 TD on the year, but his career TD rate says a correction should be coming soon.
TEs
Zach Ertz, Cardinals ($6,000) at Seahawks
Ertz enters with 10+ targets in 3 of his past 4 games. That type of volume will come with added upside this week against a Seahawks pass D ranking last in adjusted fantasy points allowed to TEs.
George Kittle ($5,700) is in play. He pops up #1 in our $/point rankings and gets a fine matchup at Atlanta. His poor performance to-date suggests he's more of a tournament play, but his healthy route participation (and strong play from Jimmy Garoppolo) suggests a breakout is coming soon.
DEF
Panthers ($3,700) at Rams
With premium options elsewhere, I’m looking to save at defense. Carolina has performed as a top-12 unit thus far and gets a Rams squad struggling to fix its pass protection woes.
If you're looking for a higher floor/ceiling combo — consider the Ravens ($4,500) against the overachieving Giants.